AN ODIHAM cyclist has completed an incredible 1,188 mile pilgrimage to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta.

Steve Brown, the husband of Odiham vicar Alison Brown, was welcomed back to the village by a crowd of people on Saturday, at the end of his epic journey, which took in towns, villages, cathedrals and churches associated with one of the most celebrated documents in history.

During the three-week ride, he presented manuscripts of a special anthem, commissioned by the village to celebrate Magna Carta, to churches and cathedrals he visited on his route.

The journey took him across the country and through cities and towns including Oxford, Hereford, Durham, Winchester, Lincoln and Canterbury.

Mr Brown said: “It has been an amazing journey and a real adventure.

“I managed not to get a puncture until the last day of the ride!

“I have had so much support from people here in Odiham and I’ve met a lot of interesting people on the way.

“The anthem will be performed across the country and it has been a fascinating journey.”

He added that the anthem, which is dedicated to the people of Odiham, will be premiered in the village in November.

He thanked the dozens of people who gathered in the High Street to cheer and clap as he returned home on Saturday, before the group gathered outside All Saints Church, Odiham, where The Reverend Brown is the vicar.

The Rev Brown said: “I am very proud of him and I’m happy to have him home.

“What he has done is amazing and I hope that is reflected in the money which is raised.”

Mr Brown was raising funds through the ride towards a £250,000 project at the church to replace the heating system and install new flooring and seating.

It is hoped that he will have raised at least £3,000 from his adventure towards the project.